About this episode
Exploring the future of automotive technology, this episode dives into Rivian's latest advancements in AI and autonomy, including their new hands-free driving features and the upcoming R2 model. The hosts discuss the implications of these technologies, the importance of safety, and the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. They also touch on the latest from Mazda, Subaru, and Ford, highlighting new models and their innovative features. The conversation is lively, with insights on the automotive industry's direction and the role of technology in enhancing the driving experience.
Nicole is finally back and while she was away she drove a Mercedes-Benz E-Class diesel wagon and since she returned she's been driving the Acura Integra A-Spec. Robbie shares his thoughts on the new Mercedes-Benz CLA hybrid. Sam had the Honda Accord Touring Hybrid and the Land Rover Defender X.
In the news, Kia has revealed the redesigned second generation Seltos, and Mazda has revealed some of the tech in the 2026 CX-5. Nissan has decided to partner with Wayve to bring hands-off/eyes-off driving to its future versions of ProPilot while Rivian is doing it all in-house. Meanwhile in Texas, Aurora has joined Kodiak in hauling fracking sand with driverless trucks. Ford's ADHD approach to electric vehicles brings it to partner with Renault of affordable EVs and splitting up its battery joint-venture with SK On. Subaru brings an affordable price point to its new Uncharted EV and Sam talks with James Philbin, Rivian's VP of ADAS and Autonomy.
Make sure you send us an e-mail or drop comments in the discord to explain what car Nicole should get to replace the Wagoneer S and why!
You can help out the many people that are food insecure this holiday season by donating to Feeding America and Robbie will write and record a song for you or at your local food bank. There are also dogs in need of assistance and Sam will be joining a crew of volunteers helping to transport them to forever homes in December and you can help by donating to Operation Frodo. Links are below.
Links
Kia Unveils the all-new Seltos: a Bold SUV with a Strong Presence and Maximized User Experience
Nissan and Wayve Sign Definitive Agreements to Deliver Next-Generation Driver Assistance Technology
Detmar Selects Aurora to Deploy Expanded Fleet of Autonomous Trucks for Major Energy Producer
ALL-NEW 2026 SUBARU UNCHARTED EV ARRIVES WITH MORE THAN 300 MILES OF RANGE, STARTING AT $34,995 MSRP
Rivian Goes All-in on Autonomy and AI
Fewer EVs need fewer batteries: Ford and SK On end their joint venture - Ars Technica
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Mercedes-Benz CLA Hybrid
"I drove, I went to Austria in Germany and I drove the 2027 Mercedes-Benz CLA Hybrid. Now the Hybrid, now you probably heard about the CLA electric vehicle..."
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Hybrid is a small luxury car that uses both gasoline and electricity to run. This helps it use less fuel and produce fewer harmful emissions.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA Hybrid is a compact luxury car that combines a gasoline engine with an electric motor for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. It's part of Mercedes-Benz's lineup of hybrid vehicles, which aim to offer a balance between performance and eco-friendliness.
Hybrid
"I drove the Hybrid, I also drove the EV, but I can't talk about that right now."
A Hybrid car uses both a gas engine and an electric motor to run. This helps save fuel and is better for the environment than just using gas.
A Hybrid vehicle combines a conventional internal combustion engine with an electric propulsion system. This allows for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to traditional gasoline-only vehicles.
EV
"I drove the Hybrid, I also drove the EV, but I can't talk about that right now."
An EV is a car that runs on electricity instead of gas. You charge it like a phone, and it doesn't produce exhaust fumes.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a type of vehicle that is powered entirely by electricity rather than gasoline or diesel. EVs typically have a battery that can be charged from an external power source.
inline four turbocharged engine
"...it's a 1.5 liter inline four turbocharged engine. But it has a, because it's a hybrid, it has the electric motor inside the transmission,..."
An inline four turbocharged engine has four cylinders lined up in a row, and a turbocharger helps it produce more power by pushing extra air into the engine.
An inline four turbocharged engine is a type of engine configuration that has four cylinders arranged in a straight line. The turbocharger increases the engine's efficiency and power output by forcing more air into the combustion chamber.
FAME
"...So FAME is very, very creative. It's short for family of modular engines."
FAME is a way for car companies to create different engines that are similar, making it easier to build cars and change designs without starting from scratch each time.
FAME stands for Family of Modular Engines, a concept where a manufacturer designs a series of engines that share common components and architecture, allowing for easier production and flexibility in vehicle design.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
"...d I were vacationing in California and we had the EQS SUV. And it had the whole hyper screen thing with the..."
hyper screen
"And it had the whole hyper screen thing with the passenger screen. And she was using the passenger screen to manipulate the music..."
The hyper screen is a big touchscreen in some Mercedes cars that lets both the driver and passenger control things like music and maps easily.
The hyper screen is a large, curved touchscreen display that spans the entire dashboard of certain Mercedes-Benz models, allowing both the driver and passenger to interact with various vehicle functions, including navigation and entertainment.
turbo lag
"It's like turbo, that's turbo lag."
Turbo lag is the time it takes for a turbocharger to start working after you press the gas pedal. You might feel a delay before the car speeds up.
Turbo lag refers to the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger delivering increased power. This occurs because the turbo needs time to spool up and generate boost.
Mercedes-Benz Eclass
"you're like, I really like this car. We drove an E-Class after we turned these cars in to get from, I don't know,"
inline four engine
"...they're doing the inline four engine with that sort of, so what happens is the piston is going down,..."
An inline four engine is a car engine with four cylinders lined up in a row. It's a common design that helps make cars smaller and more fuel-efficient.
An inline four engine is a type of internal combustion engine with four cylinders arranged in a straight line. This configuration is popular for its compact size and efficiency, making it common in many vehicles.
compression
"...they close the air intake earlier than anyone else would. So it's creating more compression,..."
Compression is when the engine squeezes the air and fuel mixture in the cylinder before it ignites. More compression can mean more power, but it might need special fuel to work well.
Compression in an engine refers to the process of reducing the volume of the air-fuel mixture in the cylinder before ignition. Higher compression ratios can lead to more power and efficiency but may require higher-octane fuel to prevent knocking.
turbocharger
"So they added a turbocharger, and the turbocharger does have the little electronic thing to help spin it up."
A turbocharger helps an engine produce more power by pushing extra air into it. This means the engine can burn more fuel and run more efficiently.
A turbocharger is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing for more fuel to be burned and increasing power output. It uses exhaust gases to spin a turbine, which compresses the incoming air.
paddle shifters
"it does not have paddle shifters, so you can't like just pa, pa, pa, pa."
Paddle shifters are buttons or levers on the steering wheel that let you change gears in a car without using a clutch. They make it easier to shift while keeping your hands on the wheel.
Paddle shifters are controls mounted on the steering wheel that allow drivers to manually change gears in an automatic transmission. They provide a sportier driving experience by enabling quicker shifts without taking hands off the wheel.
oversteer
"...they want us to do oversteer. So that was fun. That's always a good time when you get to oversteer in the Alps on a closed road."
Oversteer is when the back of the car slides out during a turn, making it feel like the car is turning too much. It can be fun for experienced drivers but tricky for beginners.
Oversteer occurs when a car turns more sharply than intended, causing the rear wheels to lose traction before the front wheels. This can lead to a sideways skid if not controlled properly, and is often used in performance driving to navigate corners effectively.
Honda Accord
"...I'm going to talk kind of a couple of minutes about the Honda Accord, you know, and that's got 181 horsepower motor..."
The Honda Accord is a well-known car that many people trust for its good performance and fuel economy. It comes in different versions, including one that uses both gas and electricity to run.
The Honda Accord is a popular midsize sedan known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. It is available in various trims, including hybrid versions that offer a combination of gasoline and electric power.
horsepower
"...that's got 181 horsepower motor. Yeah. So it, and this, this, you know, this has a..."
Horsepower is a way to measure how powerful a car's engine is. More horsepower usually means the car can go faster and handle more weight.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement that indicates the power of an engine. It helps determine how fast a vehicle can go and how well it can perform under load.
kilowatt hour
"...the battery is 1.3 kilowatt hour. So it's not huge, but it's bigger than like..."
A kilowatt hour is a way to measure how much electricity a battery can store. In cars, it tells you how much energy the battery has to power the vehicle.
A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of energy that measures how much electricity is used over time. In electric and hybrid vehicles, it indicates the capacity of the battery.
Toyota Prius
"...ke an old hybrid system from, say, like a, like a Prius or something. But it's not huge."
Volkswagen ID.3
"the Cadillac, the Lyric, when you got in the Volkswagen ID3,"
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric car from Volkswagen. It's made to be a practical and eco-friendly option for drivers.
The Volkswagen ID.3 is an electric hatchback that is part of Volkswagen's ID family of electric vehicles. It is designed to be affordable and practical for everyday use, with a focus on sustainability and technology.
Cadillac Lyric
"the first, the Cadillac, the Lyric, when you got in the Volkswagen ID3,"
The Cadillac Lyric is a new electric SUV from Cadillac. It's designed to be luxurious and has many high-tech features.
The Cadillac Lyric is an all-electric luxury SUV that represents Cadillac's entry into the electric vehicle market. It features a modern design and advanced technology aimed at providing a premium driving experience.
Volkswagen Id3
"...rst, the Cadillac, the Lyric, when you got in the Volkswagen ID3, when you got all these vehicles, they had way mo..."
artificial intelligence
"They talked a little bit about artificial intelligence, which is,"
Artificial intelligence is a technology that allows machines to think and learn like humans. In cars, it can help with things like self-driving features and improving how the car interacts with the driver.
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn. In the automotive context, AI can be used for various applications, including autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and enhancing user experience.
EV mode
"...you can drive an EV mode up to 60 miles an hour, depending on drive. So if you're slamming on it on the gas, obviously you're going to fire up that inline four engine."
EV mode means the car runs only on electricity, not using any gasoline. It's great for driving quietly and without pollution for short trips.
EV mode refers to the operation of a vehicle using only its electric motor, allowing for zero-emission driving. This mode is typically used for short distances and at lower speeds to maximize efficiency.
Mercedes modular architecture
"No, it's the Mercedes modular architecture. They're essentially doing what BMW's been doing where you can build either a gas or electric version of the exact same car on the exact same line."
Mercedes modular architecture is a way for Mercedes-Benz to build different types of cars, like gas and electric, using the same basic design. It helps them make cars more efficiently.
The Mercedes modular architecture refers to a flexible platform that allows Mercedes-Benz to produce various models, both gas and electric, using the same underlying structure. This approach enhances efficiency in manufacturing and allows for easier adaptation to different powertrains.
BMW i4
"And then the I-4 came out and you're like, oh, this is nice. Yeah, when BMW launched the I-4 and then the I-5 and the I-7,"
The BMW i4 is a fully electric car that looks like a sporty coupe. It's designed to be fast and efficient, using electricity instead of gasoline.
The BMW i4 is an all-electric gran coupe that combines performance with electric efficiency. It features a sleek design and advanced technology, making it a key model in BMW's electric vehicle lineup.
BMW i7
"Yeah, when BMW launched the I-4 and then the I-5 and the I-7, you know, with those flexible architectures,"
The BMW i7 is a fancy electric car that provides a lot of comfort and technology. It's part of BMW's effort to make high-end electric vehicles.
The BMW i7 is the luxury electric sedan from BMW, offering high-end features, advanced technology, and a spacious interior. It represents BMW's commitment to electrification in the luxury segment.
transmission tunnel
"they still have the transmission tunnel in there"
The transmission tunnel is the part of the car's floor that goes up a bit and holds the parts that help the car move. Electric cars might not need this as much, changing how the inside of the car looks.
The transmission tunnel is the raised section of the floor in a vehicle that houses the transmission and driveshaft. In electric vehicles, the absence of a traditional transmission can lead to different interior layouts.
driveshaft tunnel
"...there's a pretty substantial, you know, or a driveshaft tunnel, you know, down the middle. And, you know, that's kind of wasteful."
The driveshaft tunnel is a part of the car that holds the driveshaft, which helps move the car. It's usually in the middle of the car and can take up some space inside.
A driveshaft tunnel is a structural component in a vehicle that houses the driveshaft, which transmits power from the engine to the wheels. It is typically located in the center of the vehicle and can affect interior space and design.
transverse front-wheel drive architecture
"...the CLA is more front-wheel drive, transverse front-wheel drive architecture."
Transverse front-wheel drive means the engine is placed sideways in the front of the car, which helps save space and can make the car more fuel-efficient.
Transverse front-wheel drive architecture refers to a vehicle design where the engine is mounted sideways (transversely) at the front of the car, driving the front wheels. This layout can optimize space and improve fuel efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz GLB
".... I mean, I can talk about it. Yeah, I sat in the GLB as well. I saw the new GLB."
Autobahn
"...driving around Germany, driving on the Autobahn super, super fast because it's legal"
The Autobahn is a famous highway in Germany where you can drive really fast without a speed limit in some areas. It's a unique experience for drivers who enjoy speed.
The Autobahn is a network of high-speed highways in Germany known for having stretches without speed limits. It allows drivers to travel at very high speeds legally, making it a popular destination for automotive enthusiasts.
Acura Accura Integra
"They gave me, when I got back, they gave me an Accura Integra to drive this week. And it is the A-spec."
Honda Prelude
"but not a sports car. And the Prelude, which was sporty-ish, but not a sports car."
Toyota Supra
"...relude's the same thing. Why isn't this of Toyota Supra? Because it never was the Toyota Supra."
Honda Civic
"...don't. It was always a slightly fancier, sportier Civic. That's what the Integra was."
Subaru BRZ
"Because most cars are much faster than my BRZ, but I love driving my BRZ more than most cars, w..."
Mazda Miata
"...ich is why I have a BRZ. It's the same thing with Miata. The answer is always Miata."
Volkswagen Passat
"...vehicle. And so I mean, this is why we had a 2000 Passat wagon and my wife loved driving that car."
Volkswagen Jetta
"And when we replaced that, we replaced it with a Jetta TDI wagon. And she loved driving that car right u..."
Hyundai Ionic 5
"...Z and a four-door really big hatchback called the Ionic 5. I have to decide what my next car is going to be..."
Jeep Wagoneer
"...tment to have everything said and done on Yield's Wagoneer. Asked that I'm very sad to give up,"
Toyota Camry
"...r comparison, you know, the Toyota hybrids in the Camry is only 111 horsepower motor."
Land Rover Defender
"...o when I arrived at SFO, I picked up a Land Rover Defender X, which is, so this is the four-door."
Kia Seltos
"... this week. So Kia unveiled the second generation Seltos. Do you have a chance to take a look at this thin..."
Kia Telluride
".... It looks good. I think it looks better than the Telluride that they showed off, I think. Oh, you like it be..."
Volkswagen Id4
"...t VW uses for most of its mainstream EVs like the ID4 and the ID3. And Ford was going to use that to bu..."
Ford Explorer
"... came out in like mid 2024. The first one was the Explorer, the European Explorer, which is a very different..."
Ford Capri
"...crossover. It's electric. And then they added the Capri, which is looks very much like a Polestar 2. And ..."
Polestar 2
"... added the Capri, which is looks very much like a Polestar 2. And those haven't been huge sellers. I was looki..."
Tata Motors Aria
"...u know. Yeah. The hands-off version that's in the Aria, I thought worked pretty well, but have you tried..."
Infiniti QX80
"... well, but have you tried it in the Armada or the QX80? Because they have that hands-off and those vehic..."
Toyota Chr
"... new Uncharted, which is their their name for the Toyota CHR. So this is based on the same platform as the Sal..."
Jeep Recon
"...your reasoning why Nicole should buy the new Jeep Recon instead. Oh, gosh."
Rivian R1S
"when they launched the second generation of the R1S and R1T, they completely revamped their electroni..."
Rivian R1T
"...hey launched the second generation of the R1S and R1T, they completely revamped their electronic archit..."
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